Hello, thinking about buying an Eclipse 2G

[Toldoth]

Hello every one, Im new to this forum and Mitsubishi in general. Right now I own a 2002 Toyota Celica GT but Im looking to sell it and buy a slightly older Eclipse.

Im looking for some thing between a 95-99, I hate the body style on the 00-05's I think it was. I dont like the lines in the doors... I want this to be a project car, maybe a daily driver but I highly doubt it. I want to spend $4,000 or less on the car itself. There are a few things I am VERY SERIOUSLY considering 1st, is an engine swap or rebuild. (Since most eclipse in that year range for under $4k have 100k+ miles on them) But I have a few questions... If I get a GSX will I be able to swap an Evo engine into it since it already has AWD. Yes, I know it will be expensive but I think Im willing to put the money into making this happen. Next, if I didnt buy a GSX and I bought a GS-T how hard would it be to put in an Evo engine in it and do the conversion? Then last, will the Evo engine even fit in the 95-99 Eclipse. Im looking for the 4G63 engine I think it is, with the turbo and the stock 280HP.

Last, if I dont put an Evo engine in the car and I do an engine rebuild on a GSX or GS-T, with the factory installed turbo already on I read it makes 210HP what would it take to get it up to the 280+ mark on that engine? I would reinforce the engine and do all the needed adjustments or add the new parts. It looks like with a 2G Ill already need to prevent crankwalk... Like I said I could be wrong about every thing I just said, Im new to all this. Any help or insight would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[Toldoth]

Well since Im registered now it looks like I can do a search sorry... I found a lot of answers, and it looks like I can do the swap, but any help or any thing else any one can offer would still be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

[viperlp01]

Well if you want first hand advise p/m 99gst_racer He is currently doing a all wheel drive swap into his gst and he can help you. He's a nice guy and he shouldn't reject your question. Good luck

 

[Batman™]

To do an evo motor swap will be such a pain that in my opinion it's not worth it for the minimal extra gain. the evo engine bay is 180 degrees opposite of the 2g turbo bay. meaning the engine sits on the passenger side in an evo, and the whole belt assembly is to the passenger side as well. add to this that that the transmission sits to the drivers side. then there's wiring, which you'd have to be a guru to get away with. Then comes things like mivec, drivetrain issues, etc.

Now if you bought a gst, and wanted to convert it to a gsx using gsx parts, that much more feesible.

 

[Batman™]

as for how to make 280 hp on the motor, that's not hard at all. just follow the steps for upgrading found on this site. should just need a few fuel mods, new turbo, some way to tune, etc.

 

[Toldoth]

So in short, it sounds like the best option is to buy a beater ass GSX and do a rebuild from there? Or even buy one with a blown engine, buy a new one and drop that in?

Im looking for some thing that is free of frame damage and exterior damage. I could care less how the inside of the car looks, or what shape the engine is in for that matter. Some thing is decent condition all around with a high mileage engine still running is ideal though.

So my last question. What would it take to get the GSX up to 280HP+? Thanks a lot for every thing so far.


Haha you answered my question while I was typing it, thanks a lot, I really appreciate it. Now I just need to sell my car and start looking. Im shooting for a 97-99 GSX.

 

[Batman™]

In all honesty, I'd say to save up a bit longer, and buy a nice GSX, just to keep the headache down. The 7 bolt motor isn't as bad as some may say, and if your goal is only 280hp you shouldn't have a problem.

As for getting it to 280hp, these are the things I'd do (and have done to my car)

First and foremost: Do all the maintenance on the motor. Timing belt, Fuel Filter, Water Pump, spark plugs, plug wires, etc.

Then for the stuff to do. Any variant of the 14b or 16g turbo should get you to your goals no problem, although for future upgradeability, I'd suggest going with a Big 16G Turbo or a Evo III 16G. Also go ahead and pick up a boost gauge and a manual boost controller to up the boost.

Also, you'll want a nice large free flowing exhaust. I'm using an Apexi N1 3 inch Exhaust, and an Apexi N1 cat delete Downpipe. This pretty much removed any restriction in my exhaust. Also while on exhaust, you'll want a new o2 housing. Evo III o2 housings work good for this and there are also other companies out there that make good ones that are 2.5 inches through.

Upgrade your exhaust manifold to say an Evo III unit, for better flow.

You'll want an intake kit. I suggest the Extremepsi.com intake kit with K&N filter just because it was one of the cheaper units I found and is very nice. I run it on my car. You won't need to go to a front mount intercooler for 280 hp, but I would recommend upgrading to hard intercooler piping. You'll also want to get rid of that 2g BOV, and go with a 1g. It's cheap, it's simple, and it'll hold lots of boost without a problem. It also recirculates which you'll want.

From there that basically leaves us with fuel and transmission. As far as fuel: you'll want a Walbro fuel pump, and of their three offerings should do for your power goals, but I'd suggest a 255 just in case you ever get greedy down the road and want more. A set of 550cc Injectors should do more than fine, and there are many companies that make them. You'll want some type of Adjustable Fuel Pressure Regulator (at least I would) and I recommend the Aeromotive Unit.

Then there's the way to tune. Apexi S-AFC2 will be fine. Just get one and you can tune with it.

To upgrade the trans, You simply need a new clutch really. ACT 2100 should do fine for your goals.

The last thing I'd recommend is getting a turbo timer. Just so you can remove the keys and walk away and let your car idle down to protect the turbo.

anyway, hope this helps man.

 

[pawz1200]

Batman got you covered bro! He has hit the nail on the head. Follow that and you will be putting down 280 no problem. You actually could probably pull more than that depending on how much boost you run.

 

[Toldoth]

Thanks a lot for all the info man, I REALLY appreciate it! Thats exactly what I was looking for. I wont be doing most of the work my self since I dont know that much about cars. My dad on the other hand knows a lot and is going to help me out. Im the computer tech in the family and hes the car guy haha. Ill show him your post and he will be able to sort out what he can and cant do. Then from there I will probably try and find a DSM shop in the Chicago land area to do the rest of the work for me. This project will probably go on over the next year to year and a half but man, I cant wait to get it finished up. Again, thanks A LOT for all the help.

Any miles you would suggest looking for on the car and a year or any thing?

 

[Batman™]

you can't really specify mileage and all that. Just run a carfax on whatever car you're looking for.

 

[evilredGS]

Check AutoTrader.com. If you need a carfax, get ahold of me.. I have an unlimited account good till January 12th or so. I recomend the 97 & 98 models as they dont seem to have as many rust issues.

I snagged my eclipse from AutoTrader by sheer luck. Its a hell of a car. I paid $3795 for it.. which equates to $4100 after tax, title, and transfer fees. I'm very happy with the car.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

 

[Batman™]

Check AutoTrader.com. If you need a carfax, get ahold of me.. I have an unlimited account good till January 12th or so. I recomend the 97 & 98 models as they dont seem to have as many rust issues.

I snagged my eclipse from AutoTrader by sheer luck. Its a hell of a car. I paid $3795 for it.. which equates to $4100 after tax, title, and transfer fees. I'm very happy with the car.

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

i snagged my gsx off there for 3k below book. in great shape.

 

[crazy_skier]

well actually after investing in a safc and logger if you get a 95 look into dsmlink it would suit you (computer work) and you can squeeze alot more power and run better with it.

 

[marq95gst]

Since you are new to Mitsus, I would do ALOT of reading in these forums. Not all 2Gs get crank walk. My last car (95gst) had 162000 and no walk. My 97GSX now has 126k and no crankwalk. You do not have to reinforce your engine internals on a 4g63. Not until you are planning to go over 400whp. Then for safety. Some will say once you hit 500hp. The 4G63 is one of the strongest engines to come out of japan second to a 2jz-gte. The engine is made to take alot of abuse. Remember, 210hp isn't to the wheels. Follow the upgrade path dsmtuners, or raod race engineering has and you'll be ok. Just do not take any shortcuts.

The EVO engine thing? Good luck. I've only seen one car with that setup and it was online. I seriously think it is not worth it. You can get a GSX, evo3 16g, 550s, tuning, turboback, and mbc and be faster than an EVO. And it will cost you ALOT LESS.

Good luck, and welcome to the turbocharged world.

 

[Toldoth]

Wow, you guys got some amazing deals, I guess when I get around $4,000 saved up Ill just wait and not rush into the first deal I see and try to pick up a good deal too. Is there a thread some place that I can read about how to know if you have crank walk? Or is it really obvious?

My goal to start was 300HP on my Celica but when I first bought it I didnt know about GT-S and GT and whatever so my car would take A LOT of work and money to get up to 300HP. This time I learned from my mistakes and Im reading all I can about the 2nd Gen Eclipse so I dont regret what I bought a year later. I really wanted AWD drive and some thing with turbo so I found the GSX.

So even running at 280 to 300HP you still dont need to start doing added work to the engine to reinforce it?

 

[DSM-Talon-John]

Make sure the tranny feels like its in good shape still.

 

[marq95gst]

Wow, you guys got some amazing deals, I guess when I get around $4,000 saved up Ill just wait and not rush into the first deal I see and try to pick up a good deal too. Is there a thread some place that I can read about how to know if you have crank walk? Or is it really obvious?

My goal to start was 300HP on my Celica but when I first bought it I didnt know about GT-S and GT and whatever so my car would take A LOT of work and money to get up to 300HP. This time I learned from my mistakes and Im reading all I can about the 2nd Gen Eclipse so I dont regret what I bought a year later. I really wanted AWD drive and some thing with turbo so I found the GSX.

So even running at 280 to 300HP you still dont need to start doing added work to the engine to reinforce it?

No. Welcome to the world famous 4G63. I ran about 340hp on my GST, easily with no internal work. Wait....I did put a new valve cover gasket in. But then it had like 160000 miles when i did! ; )

I know, its a weird transition going from n/a to forced induction . These engines are made to handle ALOT more power before changing internals compared to lets say...a honda, or a toyota celica gt.

 

[GST98BIG16G]

Welcome to DSM's , get ready to spend some cash and become your own backyard mechanic

 

[evilredGS]

Here's the carfax you wanted:

http://www.moonwebs.com/YourCarfax.png

 

[thekellbeast]

Hello, thinking about buying an Eclipse 2G

Dooooon't doooo iiiiiitttt!!!!

Lol.